Aeolus umbrella systems

ABSTRACT

A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising: an umbrella assembly having a tube; a runner; a spring assembly; a plurality of ribs; a domed cover; C-clips; a handle; a tip; foldable arms; at least one fan comprising blades, the blades being rotatable; an electrical wiring harness; an on/off switch; circuit gate; and at least one circuit breaker. The tube; the runner; the plurality of ribs; the domed cover; the handle; the tip; the foldable arms; and the spring assembly in combination operate the umbrella assembly. Further, the tube; runner; plurality of ribs; and the domed cover of umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition. The fans cause air movement when activated to provide comfort to a user of the novel umbrella.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/423,669, filed Dec. 16, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of umbrellas and more specifically relates to umbrellas equipped with fans.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many individuals enjoy spending time in an outdoor environment. However, enjoyment can be negatively affected by extreme sunlight and heat. Consumers may choose to carry umbrellas or parasols in order to shield themselves from the elements such as sunlight and/or rain. An umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against rain or sunlight. The term parasol usually refers to an item designed to protect from the sun; umbrella refers to a device more suited to protect from rain. Umbrellas are almost exclusively hand-held portable devices; however, parasols can also be hand-held.

The use of the umbrella or parasol may be effective at preventing sunburns but unfortunately may not protect consumers from the heat due to stagnant air being present around a user. Umbrellas may also be used to protect individuals from the rain, however, they may not effectively and entirely shield users, causing them to become wet due to the limited canopy size. The standard umbrella or parasol only protects the user's upper body from rain or sunlight and does not provide a means to move air around thereby not providing comfort to the user in a host of different environmental conditions.

Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,230,723; 5,172,711; 2004/0084071; 5,349,975; 7,322,208; and 6,039,062. This prior art is representative of umbrellas. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Ideally, an umbrella should be user-friendly and effective in many different environmental conditions and, yet operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable fan-equipped umbrella system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known umbrella and parasol art, the present invention provides a novel fan-equipped umbrella system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide fan-equipped umbrellas to provide comfort for umbrella users and a host of different environmental conditions.

Aeolus Umbrella of the present invention is designed to keep users optimally cool and dry during both sunny and rainy weather conditions. This innovative product features a portable umbrella preferably containing electric fans on its underside surface. The fans may be mounted to flexible folding arms in various positions. As the invention is being closed for use, the arms may fold around the fans, preventing them from becoming damaged and allowing them to be neatly tucked away. This product is ideal for protecting consumers against intense heat and sunlight, as well as rain.

A fan-equipped umbrella system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment comprising: an umbrella assembly having a tube; a runner; a spring assembly; a plurality of ribs; a domed cover; C-clips; a handle; a tip; foldable arms; at least one fan comprising blades (the blades being rotatable); an electrical wiring harness; an on/off switch; circuit gate; and at least one circuit breaker. The tube; the runner; the plurality of ribs; the domed cover; the handle; the tip; the foldable arms; and the spring assembly in combination operate the umbrella assembly. Further, the tube; runner; plurality of ribs; and the domed cover of umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition. The blades on fan are preferably flexible and deformable. The spring assembly has a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying the umbrella assembly.

The fan(s) are preferably (rotatably) mounted to the foldable arms and are usable to displace air. The foldable arms collapse around the fans as the umbrella assembly is being closed into the stored condition. The C-clips attach the fan(s) to the foldable arms when stored and are not attached when in-use. The fan(s) are battery-powered via at least one DC battery.

The electrical wiring harness; the circuit gate; the at least one circuit breaker and the on/off switch together comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering the fan; the fan in electrical communication with the DC batteries and controlled via the other components between on and off conditions. The electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of the tube of the umbrella assembly. The circuit gate allows the fan(s) to be turned off in the stored condition when closed. The on/off switch is preferably located on the handle. The circuit breaker(s) (optional) interrupt current from reaching the fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with the fan(s), such that the blades stop moving. The tip and the handle may be rubber-coated to substantially prevent electric shock.

A method of using a fan-equipped umbrella system is also described herein preferably comprising the steps of: opening an umbrella assembly to a deployed condition to provide an isolation from an environmental condition; activating an on/off switch to an on position to start at least one fan, the fan(s) displacing air; deactivating the fan(s) via the on/off switch; and closing the umbrella assembly from the deployed condition to a closed condition.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a fan-equipped umbrella system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, fan-equipped umbrella system entitled ‘Aeolus Umbrella systems’, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a fan-equipped umbrella system in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom-side view illustrating an umbrella assembly of the fan-equipped umbrella system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view illustrating components of the umbrella assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a fan in an in-use position (condition) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 3.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the fan as connected to folding arms (deployed position) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 4A.

FIG. 4C is another perspective view illustrating the fan as connected to the folding arms (retracted position) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1, 4A and 4B.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the fan-equipped umbrella system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4C.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an umbrella device and more particularly to a fan-equipped umbrella as used to improve the effectiveness of umbrellas in a variety of climatic conditions.

Generally speaking, Aeolus Umbrella is designed to keep users cool and dry in various weather conditions. The invention may comprise a portable umbrella containing two or more electric fans on its underside surface. The fans can be mounted to foldable arms, which may collapse around the fans as the umbrella is being closed. The blades of the fans can be made of a soft, pliable material, allowing them to be safely tucked away and unfolded as the umbrella is opened and closed. C-shaped clips may be used to attach the fans to the arms during non-use conditions. The wiring used to power the fans can be contained in the shaft of the umbrella and may be activated by an on/off switch located on the handle. Within the wiring of the clip that holds the umbrella in the down position can be a circuit gate or bridge, designed to allow the fans to be turned off in the closed position. If any debris or objects come in contact with the fans, the blades may be stopped from moving by the circuit breakers when umbrella is open and on. The handle and the tip of umbrella can be coated in rubber or other non-conductive material to prevent electric shock. Consumers may activate the fans to provide cool air circulation on hot days and to dry away unwanted moisture during rainy days. It can be made in a variety of colors to suit user preferences.

Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1, fan-equipped umbrella system 100 in ‘in-use’ condition 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fan-equipped umbrella system 100 may comprise: umbrella assembly 110 having tube 116; runner 120; spring assembly 122; a plurality of ribs 130; a plurality of stretchers 126; domed cover 134; clips 138; handle 140; tip 146; foldable arms 152; at least one fan 160 comprising blades 166, (blades 166 being rotatable to displace air); electrical wiring harness 170; and on/off switch 180. Tube 116; runner 118; plurality of ribs 130; domed cover 134; handle 140; tip 146; foldable arms 152; and spring assembly 120 in combination operate umbrella assembly 110. Further, tube 114; runner 118; plurality of ribs 130; and domed cover 134 of umbrella assembly 110 are deployable from stored condition 112 to deployed condition 114 to isolate at least one user 102 from at least one environmental condition, as shown also in FIG. 3.

Domed cover 134 is preferably manufactured from as nylon; however other suitable equivalent materials may be used. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material arrangements such as, for example, vinyl, cloth, rubberized material, etc., may be sufficient.

Fan(s) 160 are rotatably mounted to foldable arms 152. Fan(s) 160 are battery-powered via at least one DC battery (rechargeable or non-rechargeable.) Fan(s) 160 are usable to displace air within and reasonable proximity to umbrella assembly 110 of fan-equipped umbrella system 100 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A, not in FIG. 3.) Fan(s) 160 is designed to keep user(s) 102 cool and dry in various weather conditions by providing a capacity to move/displace air. Spring assembly 122 may include hand spring 124 and top spring 128 for use in employing and deploying umbrella assembly 110 in certain embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a bottom-side view illustrating umbrella assembly 110 of the fan-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Clips 138 preferably attach fan(s) 160 to foldable arms 152 when in a non-use condition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4C. Clips 138 preferably comprise C-clips. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other fastener arrangements such as, for example, rings, snaps; a hook and fastener system; hooks; other forms of clips; etc., may be sufficient.

Electrical wiring harness 170 is routed through and substantially contained within inner volume 120 of tube 118 of umbrella assembly 110 as shown in FIG. 4. Umbrella assembly 110 preferably comprises circuit gate 190 or bridge. Circuit gate 190 (or bridge) allows fan(s) 160 to be turned off in stored condition 112 when closed. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of circuit gates and bridges as described herein, methods of electrical communication will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Referring now to FIG. 3, another perspective view illustrating components of umbrella assembly 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

Umbrella assembly 110 further comprises at least one circuit breaker 196 in certain embodiments. Circuit breaker(s) 196 interrupt current from reaching fan(s) 160 should debris or objects come in contact with fan(s) 160, such that blades 166 stop moving. This option is available to increase safe operation of the present invention. Electrical wiring harness 170; circuit gate 190; least one circuit breaker 196 and on/off switch 180 comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering fan(s) 160. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of circuit breakers as described herein, methods of electrical communication, interruption and safety will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art.

Umbrella assembly 110 further comprises tip 146 and handle 140 which are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock as an additional safety feature. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other insulator materials such as, for example, non-conductive alloys, ceramics, woods, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, a perspective view illustrating fan(s) 160 in in-use position 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 3. Fan(s) 160 comprise blades 166, blades 166 comprising flexible and deformable material, as previously mentioned. Blades 166 are deformable to increase safety and to make the present invention easier to store and deploy. Further, blades 166 do not sheer or otherwise cut domed cover 134 when comprising rubber soft plastic, or the like, yet freely move air in use. Umbrella assembly 110 may be deployed and fans 160 not used (when not needed), as shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, perspective views illustrating fan 160 as connected to foldable arms 152 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 4A.

Foldable arms 152 are designed to collapse around fan(s) 160 as umbrella assembly 110 is being closed into stored condition 112. Fan(s) 160 may be rotated as indicated by direction arrows between deployed and retracted positions about an indicator line. Further, foldable arms 152 may comprise shafts or rods. FIG. 4A shows relative air displacement via straight indicator arrows (also shown in FIG. 1.)

Referring now to FIG. 5, flowchart 550 illustrating a method of using (method of use 500) fan-equipped umbrella system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4C.

A method of using (enabling method of use 500) fan-equipped umbrella system 100 preferably comprises the steps of: step one 501 opening umbrella assembly 110 to deployed condition 114 to provide an isolation from an environmental condition; step two 502 activating on/off switch 180 to an on position to start at least one fan 160, fan(s) 160 displacing air; step three 503 deactivating fan(s) 160 via on/off switch 180; and step four 504 closing umbrella assembly 110 from the deployed condition 114 to stored condition 112.

It should be noted that step 504 is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 500 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 5 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 500.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

1. A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising: an umbrella assembly having; a tube; a runner; a plurality of ribs; a plurality of stretchers; a domed cover; and at least one fan; wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; said stretchers; and said domed cover in combination operate said umbrella assembly; wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; and said domed cover of said umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition; wherein said fan(s) are mounted to foldable arms; wherein said fan(s) are battery-powered; wherein said fan(s) are usable to displace air; and wherein said fan(s) in combination with said umbrella assembly of said fan-equipped umbrella system is designed to keep said user(s) cool and dry in various weather conditions.
 2. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 1 wherein said fan(s) comprise blades, said blades comprising flexible and deformable material.
 3. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 2 wherein said foldable arms collapse around said fans as said umbrella assembly is being closed into said stored condition.
 4. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 3 further comprising clips to attach said fan(s) to said foldable arms.
 5. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 4 wherein said clips comprise C-clips.
 6. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 5 further comprising an electrical wiring harness.
 7. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 6 wherein said electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of said tube of said umbrella assembly.
 8. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 7 further comprising an on/off switch.
 9. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 8 further comprising a handle wherein said on/off switch is located on said handle.
 10. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 9 further comprising a circuit gate.
 11. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 9 further comprising a bridge.
 12. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 10 wherein said circuit gate allows said fan(s) to be turned off in said stored condition when closed.
 13. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 9 further comprising at least one circuit breaker.
 14. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 13 wherein said circuit breaker(s) interrupt current from reaching said fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with said blade(s), such that said blades stop moving.
 15. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 14 further comprising a tip.
 16. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 15 wherein said tip and said handle are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock.
 17. The fan-equipped umbrella system of claim 1 further comprising a spring assembly having a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying said umbrella assembly.
 18. A fan-equipped umbrella system comprising: an umbrella assembly having; a tube; a runner; a spring assembly; a plurality of ribs; a plurality of stretchers; a domed cover; C-clips; a handle; a tip; foldable arms; at least one fan comprising blades, said blades being rotatable; an electrical wiring harness; an on/off switch; a circuit gate; and at least one circuit breaker; wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; said stretchers; said domed cover; said handle said tip; said foldable arms; said spring assembly in combination operate said umbrella assembly; wherein said tube; said runner; said plurality of ribs; and said domed cover of said umbrella assembly are deployable from a stored condition to a deployed condition to isolate at least one user from at least one environmental condition; wherein said fan(s) are rotatably mounted to said foldable arms; wherein said fan(s) are battery-powered via at least one DC battery; wherein said fan(s) are usable to displace air; wherein blades comprising flexible and deformable material; wherein said foldable arms collapse around said fans as said umbrella assembly is being closed into said stored condition; wherein said C-clips attach said fan(s) to said foldable arms; wherein said electrical wiring harness; said circuit gate; said at least one circuit breaker and said on/off switch comprise an electrical assembly for interruptably-powering said fan; wherein said electrical wiring harness is routed through and substantially contained within an inner volume of said tube of said umbrella assembly; wherein said on/off switch is located on said handle; wherein said circuit gate allows said fan(s) to be turned off in said stored condition when closed; wherein said circuit breaker(s) interrupt current from reaching said fan(s) should debris or objects come in contact with the fan(s), such that said blades stop moving; wherein said tip and said handle are rubber-coated to prevent electric shock; wherein said spring assembly has a hand spring and a top spring for use in employing and deploying said umbrella assembly; and wherein said fan(s) in combination with said umbrella assembly of said fan-equipped umbrella system is designed to keep said user(s) cool and dry in various weather conditions.
 19. A method of using a fan-equipped umbrella system comprising the steps of: opening an umbrella assembly to a deployed condition to provide an isolation from an environmental condition; activating an on/off switch to an on position to start at least one fan, said fan(s) displacing air; and deactivating said fan(s) via said on/off switch.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the step of closing said umbrella assembly from said deployed condition to a stored condition. 